USC quarterbacks get final chance to impress Lane Kiffin at Coliseum

There will be a last formal audition today for USC’s quarterbacks, but it is more of a dress rehearsal than actual game as the Trojans will not be allowed to tackle during the Coliseum scrimmage.

Trojans coach Lane Kiffin wants a mock game to get things down, like substitutions and special teams, without physical contact. And no tackling also avoids injuries, which is important for a team with 21 players out Tuesday.

Kiffin said he will still be evaluating sophomore QBs Cody Kessler and Max Wittek, who remain in a tight race most practice observers now favor Kessler.

``There will be some evaluation,’’ Kiffin said. ``You will still have to take command of the huddle. You’re still going to have decision-making. You’re still going to have an opportunity to make plays.’’

The quarterbacks said they will feel the pressure of competition even if there is no tackling.

``Any day in the Coliseum, there’s a heightened level of intensity,’’ Wittek said.

Kessler is expected to start the scrimmage after Wittek started last week.

``I feel a lot more comfortable with the first team,’’ Kessler said.

No Snoop-ing

USC denied a new book’s claim that rapper Snoop Dogg picked up tailback Silas Redd in a limousine when Redd visited Los Angeles as he decided whether to transfer from Penn State. Author John U. Bacon reported the incident in his book, ``Fourth and Long: The Fight for the Soul of College Football.’’

But USC issued a statement Tuesday night that denied the story.

``Silas Redd has never met Snoop Dogg, much less received a ride from him in any type of vehicle,’’ the statement said. ``USC head coach

Lane Kiffin picked up Silas from the airport on his recruiting visit.’’

Redd also denied the incident took place.

``I’ve never met (Snoop Dogg),’’ he said.

Redd is still coming back slowly from last spring’s torn meniscus surgery and Kiffin said he does not know if Redd will play against Hawaii.

``Silas is not all the way back and very limited in drills,’’ Kiffin said. ``Our goal is to push him slowly. I’m not sure that he will be (ready). I hope so.’’

Without Redd, freshman Justin Davis could see a significant amount of playing time. Davis is the most impressive tailback of training camp.

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Tight end troubles

USC’s top three tight ends (Xavier Grimble, Randall Telfer, Jalen Cope-Fitzpatrick) are all nursing injuries, so the Trojans relied on former defensive end Kevin Greene along with quarterback Chris Willson and walk-on Shane Sullivan at the spot Tuesday.

``One was a quarterback a week ago, one we’re learning his name, and one was a defensive end,’’ Kiffin said.